Sunday, April 06, 2008

A work of Hope and Love for Michelle.


Not too long ago I was asked by a good friend to donate a piece of work for a breast cancer fund raiser. She is part of a walking group called the Pink Ribbon Angels. These ladies are mostly members of our Church, The Church of Holy Apostles, in McHenry Illinois and their lives have all been touched in some deeply personal way by breast cancer. These dedicated and loving ladies walk in the Avon Breast Cancer Walk every year. Last year, was the first year that I donated a piece ("HOPE") and I was so very moved by the process. It seems that whenever I work on a piece that is given from my heart, well somehow I get so totally wrapped up in it. All I can do is think about what or how I will depict what I am feeling, I dream about how the work will look, I search for poignant words to add to the work, and on and on. Then I fret over how the work will be received, will any one bid on it, will it actually raise some money that is so desperately needed to find a cure, am I just fooling myself into thinking someone would actually like the work enought to bid on it, will it relate to anyone? Is it just me or do all artists feel like this? Am I that Insecure?

I decided to post the work in progress so perhaps Michelle will take a little peek. I think that this is against my better judgement mainly because the work is still evolving. I decided to use a theme of friendship.. The work is about how we as women stick together, what friends do for each other especially in times of need, support, love, and understanding. Something that women tend to do better than men is be there to support one another.

The work is done on a prepared piece of masonite called gesso board. This is the first time I have worked on masonite and I will really like it. I probably will not frame it but rather have it displayed on one of these mini easels. The board is about a quarter inch thick. The work is a mixed media and collage piece. I actually used a variety of napkins and altered magazine clippings, text from books etc... for the backgound. Acrylics, oil pastels, inks, and graphite were used to give the effect you see. A brayer was used to apply the acylic paint (I only use Golden paints because I adore the rich pigments). I hope you like the work thus far, Michelle.




K


2 comments:

Michelle said...

Dear Kathy,

I am in awe of the beautiful piece you are creating upon my request! My first reaction upon seeing it was tears of joy...this even before I read your comments. And as I read those comments, the tears continued and smiles filled my heart and face, confirming my feelings.

This piece is beyond words of how I feel...it is absolutely priceless! Kathy, it's like you looked into my thoughts and dreams and just felt what I was feeling the piece would be. I have always admired your intense creative soul and your works bring so many smiles and feelings as I view them. And since you started creating your "ladies" I was amazed at how you can bring so much depth and meaning to them with little to no words.

You, my dear friend, are an incredible artist through and through. And I say that not only as a friend, but as an admirer of the beauty and meaning in all artistic expression that I continue to find during my time here on earth.

Leave your insecurities and doubts at the door in a heap...there is no room for them in your life anymore. Just continue to let your heart and soul move you to expressing what is truth and feeling. Keep wrapping yourself into and around the beauty and life of your masterpieces!

I am so blessed to have you in my life and as a wonderful friend. God definitely created a masterpiece when he created you and I am so happy that you share your talents with the world around you, including me.

Still in awe...

Love and friendship,
Michelle :)

Moonwillow said...

Beautiful piece Kathy, and never feel insecure about your art, it is wonderful! I want to thank you as part of the breast cancer warrior/survivors for doing this for your friend. Friendship means so much more than most of us realize. You go girl! Oh and I loved your mountainscape!